Hallux valgus in preprofessional adolescent dancesport athletes: Prevalence and associated training factors

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to determine the risk factors of hallux valgus angle among preprofessional adolescent dancesport athletes.MethodsA total of 275 athletes, (73 males and 202 females) aged between the ages of 11 and 18 years, participated in this study. A cross‐sectional questionnaire was used to survey their demographic characteristics (sex and age), training information (starting age, weekly training time, and athletic career [number of years of training at this specific dancesport school]), and measured their height and weight. The hallux valgus angle was measured based on foot photographs. The chi‐square test was used to compare the difference with prevalence of hallux valgus between male and female athletes. A normal distribution test was performed, and based on the test results, unpaired t‐test and multiple logistic regression were conducted to identify training factors for the hallux valgus in this cohort.ResultsChi‐square test showed higher prevalence of hallux valgus in female elite adolescent dancesport athletes than males. The t‐test results did not show any significant differences between the hallux valgus group and non‐hallux valgus groups with start age, athletic career, and weekly training time. Multiple logistic regression analysis with hallux valgus as the dependent variable revealed that the female sex was a strong predictor of a higher prevalence of hallux valgus (odds ratio [OR]: 3.954, 95% confidence interval 95% CI: 2.193–7.131, and p < 0.001). Weekly training time was also entered into the multiple logistic regression model (OR: 1.033, 95% CI: 1.001–1.067, and p = 0.041).ConclusionsOur findings revealed that the prevalence of hallux valgus in adolescent dancesport athletes was higher in females than in males. Longer weekly training time was also a risk factor for hallux valgus. Training factors should be considered in preventive programs for elite adolescent dancesport athletes, and special attention should be paid to female athletes.